August 15th, 2025.

Newhaven Town Council release:



Local Government Re-organisation will see new unitary councils established across East and West Sussex, including Brighton and Hove. A unitary council will provide all the public services that are currently split between district and borough councils and the county council. Councils are being invited to submit their proposals for re-organisation to the government.

East Sussex is looking to create one single unitary council, covering the existing East Sussex governance structure, including Lewes District Council’s parliamentary constituency and so incorporating Newhaven.

Brighton and Hove City Council has announced that it is looking to potentially grow the city boundaries and expand into parts of the Lewes district, including Newhaven, and potentially create its own unitary authority.

Lewes District Council has launched a public consultation to understand how residents feel about the proposal from Brighton and Hove Council. Views of residents really matter – by answering the survey, you can have your say. See the link to the survey HERE.

Newhaven Town Council has written a letter to the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Mr J. McMahon OBE MP, stating the views of the Town Council that Newhaven’s governance needs are best served within the existing infrastructure, local expertise, and service models of the East Sussex governance structure and opposing the proposal from Brighton and Hove Council of being included in their plans for eastward expansion. You can see a copy of the letter
HERE.

Mayor of Newhaven, Councillor Kim Bishop, said: “After reading the proposal from Brighton and Hove Town Council, I can see no good reason why Newhaven wards should be included in Brighton and Hove Council’s proposal. It will have a damaging effect to the progress made under Lewes District Council to revitalise and regenerate the town. I would urge residents to complete the survey to make sure their voices are heard.”

For further information, please contact Newhaven Town Council Town Clerk, Ken Dry at ken.dry@newhaventowncouncil.gov.uk